Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Plant material identification skills are basic to all parts of the horticulture/landscape industry. The focus is on deciduous trees and shrubs which exhibit fall interest. In this course students are required to identify plant materials by both botanical (scientific) and common names. All of the plants studied are used in landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.
This course is required for the one-year and two-year certificates and for the two-year Associate Degree in Landscape Technology. The credits are transferable to the University of Oregon on a petition basis and transfer to Oregon State University.

• In the field, identify, by scientific and common names, a predetermined block of plants.
• Record graphic information from the field and verbal information in a concise, useable fashion for future design and business reference.
• Demonstrate knowledge of plant growth requirements and plant use.

Lecture time will provide the basic botanical information needed to make accurate field identification decisions and will cover the general requirements for growing healthy, useful plants. Lab time is spent in the field directly observing plant characteristics for identification. The required plant notebook requires additional time for obtaining more plant information, graphically documenting plant characteristics and assembly of the information in a useable format. Students use electronic information as well as printed materials.

Assessment will be based on the student's ability to pass the objectives identified for the quarter. Assessment will take place through plant identification field exams, assembly of plant information in the plant notebook, and building of plant lists by category. This is a graded course.

• Field Identification of 100 - 110 plants
• Plant Information
  • Botanical and Common Names
  • Family
  • Plant Type
  • Form
  • Growth Rate
  • Mature and Landscape Sizes
  • Physical Characteristics
  • Exposure
  • Soil Requirement
  • Water Requirement
  • Diseases and Pests
  • Propagation
  • Landscape Use